1. Paddling, Pebble-Collecting & Beachfront Wanders

Starting point: St Margaret’s Bay
Travel: No travel needed — simply step outside your door

The simplest days are often the best. St Margaret’s Bay is a natural playground for children:

• Gentle paddling in the shallows

• Pebble towers and treasure hunting

• Sea-glass collecting

• Rock pooling when the tide recedes

The bay feels enclosed and safe, with clear water on calm days and plenty of space for little legs to roam.

2. Woodland Trails & Little-Explorer Walks

Starting point: St Margaret’s Village
Travel: Walk straight from the bay (5–10 mins uphill)

The woodland above St Margaret’s is perfect for young adventurers – shaded, quiet and filled with easy trails. Wander through leafy paths, pause under the trees, and let children discover nature at their own pace.

For something more open, take the clifftop route from the bay towards the South Foreland Lighthouse. The walking is family-friendly, with incredible clifftop views and plenty of space to stop for snacks, photos or a breezy sit-down.

3. Family Days Out Near St Margaret’s

All close, all easy, and all perfect for memory-making.

Deal (12 minutes by car | ~1 hour 45 mins coastal walk)

Deal is a brilliant family-friendly town with a mix of beach, open promenade and relaxed cafés. Including:

• Deal Pier – wander to the end for views and hot chocolates

• Promenade scooters & bikes – wide, smooth and safe

• Boutiques  shops – perfect for small holiday treats

• Betteshanger Park – providing adventure playgrounds, cycling tracks, assault courses and seasonal events and trails

Kingsdown (5 minutes by car | 45 minutes cliff walk)

A quieter, gentler stretch of coastline just around the headland.  Perfect for a easy, peaceful afternoon topped with a sunset dinner by the sea.

• Ease of play: flat beach, perfect for pebble skimming

• On-the-beach dining at The Zetland Arms – children love sitting right on the shingle while the waves roll in

• Short cliff trails – little explorers adore wandering the zig-zag paths or the flat promenade stroll into Deal.

South Foreland Lighthouse (35–45 minutes walk from St Margaret’s Bay)

No need to drive, the walk is part of the adventure. Why families love it:

• Gentle clifftop paths

• Views of wartime tunnels

• Space to run and play

• Kite flying on the breezy lawns

• Cream teas at the Lighthouse Café

• Views across the Channel

• It’s one of those days out that feels simple but magical.

Sandwich (20 minutes by car)

A beautiful medieval town filled with wonderful independent shops and cafes, with two big attractions for families.

1. Seal-Spotting on the River Runner:  Departing from Sandwich Quay, families can enjoy a peaceful river cruise through the nature reserve, watch birds feeding along the riverbanks and the large resident seal family.
2.  White Mill & White Mills Wake & Aqua Park:  For older children and teens, this is a guaranteed hit including an aqua park, paddleboarding and  wakeboarding and a wonderful cafe for the adults. 

4. Evenings That Feel Like a Holiday Should

After a day of paddling, walking, kite flying or seal spotting, returning to your cottage becomes part of the joy:

• warm baths 

• BBQs in the garden

• family board games

• early nights with sea air still lingering on your skin

These slow, happy evenings are what make St Margaret’s such a special base for families.